The MBET Experience

Typically, when we discuss “the government”, the conversation usually takes on a negative, “what good do they do” attitude. This afternoon at the Accelerator Centre, the government and Communitech put on a great event – “Business, Science, Technology and You – Federal Programs to Help Your Business Succeed”.

The goal for this event was to provide information on government programs that exist to assist technology focused entrepreneurs and small-medium enterprises. As James and I are in the thick of writing our HealthSpoke business plan, and just today were going through the financials, this event couldn’t have happened at a better time.

What made this event so great was that it was short and sweet. There was about an hour of presentations, which presenters from the following programs:

1. NRC-IRAP (National Research Council – Industrial Research Assistance Program)
2. DFAIT (Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada)
3. SR&ED (Scientific Research & Experimental Development Program)

For each program, the organizers arranged for two speakers: a representative from the government program, and a local CEO who could discuss their experience with the program first hand. This brought some realism to the talk, and really helped to get an idea of what was available. I was very impressed with the funding, international assistance, and tax credits available to startups – if you are thinking of starting a company, definitely take the time to research these programs!! SR&ED can be particularly lucrative, and the NRC and DFAIT offer a number of free programs to help get you going!!

One of the most valuable parts of the session was the networking before and after the presentations. We had an opportunity to meet the representatives from the government programs, chat with them a bit, and most importantly, exchange business cards! James and I now have a name and a face and a reference point with people at organizations who can help us fund our business!!

For any future MBET students or entrepreneurs (this was an open event), I can’t highlight enough the value of getting out to as many of these sessions as possible. You can get some great information and meet some key people who will be able to help move your business forward!